As part of Aga Khan University’s Sixth Sense Forum (6sf) lecture series, Thomas Burkhalter — an ethnomusicologist, music journalist and cultural producer from Bern, Switzerland gave a multimedia presentation titled 'Out of the Absurdity of Life' on June 12 in the university’s auditorium.

Burkhalter's presentation comprised music and sounds from all across the world which he classified into five key categories: archives/nostalgia, anarchives, exotica, war and violence and new form of protest. “I hear from these sounds and music a new form of expression,” he said starting off his presentation.

He said music has been emerging from Middle East and South Asian countries and that he is amazed by the young talent he has seen and worked with in Karachi.

“These upcoming voices want to be heard and despite limited avenues their creativity finds a way to be showcased," he said.

Burkhalter has majorly focused on breaking stereotypical ways of performing and understanding music and has focused on a diverse range of music fusion being created in various corners of the world.

Opinion

Editorial

US asylum freeze
Updated 05 Dec, 2025

US asylum freeze

IT is clear that the Trump administration is using last week’s shooting incident, in which two National Guard...
Colours of Basant
05 Dec, 2025

Colours of Basant

THE mood in Lahore is unmistakably festive as the city prepares for Basant’s colourful kites to once again dot the...
Karachi’s death holes
05 Dec, 2025

Karachi’s death holes

THE lidless manholes in Karachi lay bare the failure of the city administration to provide even the bare necessities...
Protection for all
Updated 04 Dec, 2025

Protection for all

ACHIEVING true national cohesion is not possible unless Pakistanis of all confessional backgrounds are ensured their...
Growing trade gap
04 Dec, 2025

Growing trade gap

PAKISTAN’S merchandise exports have been experiencing a pronounced decline for the last several months, with...
Playing both sides
04 Dec, 2025

Playing both sides

THERE has been yet another change in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. The PML-N’s regional...